[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 21 (Tuesday, March 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E319-E320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNITION FOR THE LOUISVILLE ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ANNE M. NORTHUP

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 1, 2005

  Mrs. NORTHUP. Mr. Speaker, I would to recognize the recent 
accreditation of the Louisville Zoological Gardens by the American 
Association of Museums (AAM) which was awarded for the excellence of 
its animal, botanical and non-living collections. Accreditation

[[Page E320]]

by the AAM is the highest honor a museum can receive and is a testament 
to the professionalism and the public service provided to my community 
and the nation by the Louisville Zoo.
  Founded in 1969, the Louisville Zoo has made tremendous strides to 
become one of the nation's premier botanical and zoological facilities. 
To achieve its mission of educating the public about the wonders of 
animal and plant life and raising awareness for wildlife conservation, 
the zoo currently has over 1,300 animals exhibited in beautiful natural 
settings, including some of the rarest species found on the planet. It 
offers state-of-the-art animal care and award-winning exhibits that 
educate residents and visitors of all ages. Almost 800,000 people visit 
the Louisville Zoo each year.
  In 1980, the Louisville Zoo obtained its first major professional 
recognition when it received accreditation by the American Association 
of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). In 2003, the AZA presented its Exhibit 
Award to the Louisville Zoo for outstanding commitment to conservation 
in the construction of its new, four-acre Gorilla Forest exhibit space 
which so closely replicated the natural habitats for the gorilla.
  Accreditation by the American Association of Museums is a major 
accomplishment for the Louisville Zoo. It signifies excellence within 
the museum community and is recognition of the ethical and professional 
practices employed by the organization.
  The process for accreditation is difficult and intensive. Over the 
period of three years, the Louisville Zoo underwent a thorough self-
evaluation, a total audit of all collections, an accounting of business 
and operating procedures and a review of the procedures and protocols 
that govern the tasks of plant and animal management. After all this 
was done, a team of museum association peers conducted an on-site 
inspection.
  As a result of this rigorous review process, very few museums have 
received this recognition. Only 750 of the Nation's 16,000 museums, or 
less than 5 percent, are currently accredited and the Louisville Zoo is 
one of only four institutions in the Commonwealth of Kentucky to 
receive this honor.
  Mr. Speaker, Louisvillians are proud of the achievements of the 
Louisville Zoo and appreciate the contributions it has made to our 
community. Recognition by the AAM confirms what Louisville residents 
have known all along: that the Louisville Zoo provides a first-class 
experience and education to students and animal lovers of all ages, and 
it will continue to do so for many years to come. I would like to offer 
my heartfelt congratulations to all of the Louisville Zoo's staff for 
this most recent honor.

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